Annual ‘Super Bowl of Safety’ kicks off in St. Louis

St. Louis – Today, more than 430 of the nation’s safest professional drivers began their pursuit of the most coveted title in the industry: Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion at the 78th annual National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships.

“For millions of people, St. Louis was the gateway to the West and to opportunity,” said American Trucking Associations Chairman Duane Long, chairman of Longistics, Raleigh, N.C. “And now, these professionals have the opportunity to compete here in these truck driving championships – as well as the opportunity to demonstrate trucking’s deep commitment to safety and professionalism. On behalf of the members and staff of ATA, I wish them all the best during the competition.”

This year, 431 drivers – representing 85 companies from all 50 states – are competing for the title of Bendix National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion, sponsored for the fourth straight year by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.

Following today’s course review, the competition kicks off Thursday following the Breakfast of Champions and consists of a written test where competitors will prove their knowledge of trucking and highway safety as well as three days of demonstrating their driving skills before the Grand Champion is crowned Saturday night.

The Allied Committee for the Trucking Industry is premiere sponsor of the 2015 National Truck Driving Championships and National Step Van Driving Championships, taking place August 11-15 at the America’s Center Convention Complex and Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.